If you have a medium-sized dog or larger at home and like to hike, bike, or cross-country ski, chances are you will discover a capable helper in your dog. Dogs have an innate desire to help their owners. They just need to be awakened and brought out of it. If we can do that, we will have a new partner in all our activities in the mountains and in the countryside.
Where to start? Get as much information as possible and connect with like-minded people. There are many friends on social media. Get advice from experts. Equip yourself and your dog with quality tools. So where do you start?
Dog trekking
Your dog has a harness and you have a waist belt. You are connected to each other by a lead with shock absorbers. These conveniences ensure comfortable movement for you and your dog. There is no strain on either you or your dog. The shock absorbers on the leash ease the irregularities in the speed at which you and your dog move. Teaching your dog the correct way to pull will be a great help on uphill slopes.
Dog Skijoring (cross-country skiing)
The principle is the same as dog trekking. It is simply skiing on snow on cross-country skis. However, in this discipline, it is a good idea to already teach the dog the command to change direction. It is a good idea to use the commands used by mushers (dog sledders) around the world. The basic command is “Ho” – turn left. Ji” – turn to the right. You will be thankful that your dog knows these commands when you have to make fast turns on cross-country skis.
Dog Bike (Dog Bike)
When riding a bike pulled by a dog, or up to two dogs, you are connected directly to the bike, not the dog. The leash can be attached directly under the handlebars. Special guide bars or springs should be used to prevent loose leads from easily tangling with the front wheel. On a dog bike, it is absolutely essential that the dog knows the direction indicators. Everything is done at high speed. The speed can be surprisingly fast, especially once you start running.
In all disciplines, learn to constantly observe the dog\’s body language. You will soon see how well it reads. Change the position of the tail, ears, or coat. Or move your head slightly. That is how the dog lets you know something is wrong. It is either reacting to a game, the possibility of others being present, or pointing out something it doesn\’t like. Be alert. Catch these signals as soon as possible. Maybe your dog is telling you it\’s time to hit the brakes.
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